Authorities will work today to rescue the remaining Australians stranded in New Caledonia, after two repatriation flights touched down in Brisbane overnight.
More than 100 Australians and tourists from other countries were on the two flights that departed from the capital Noumea, after deadly riots erupted last week.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed French authorities will begin flights today to ensure any other stranded tourists can safely leave the French Pacific territory.
Melbourne woman Malisa Plesa failed to secure a spot on the flights, telling Today it was disappointing.
"We didn't receive any notification that we wouldn't be on their flight. We have received communication that French authorities would be coordinating the evacuation of all tourists that remain in New Caledonia," she said.
"We don't know when we will be able to get home.
"There are thousands of tourists from all over the world and if we are now being included as part of that group stranded here, it could take ages for us to get home."
Plesa said she had received little communication from Australian officials.
"We are still stuck here and in as much danger today as yesterday," she said.
"We just want to know when we'll get our opportunity to come home.
"We have been told to stay put within our hotels, because we could get that call at any time.
"It's just another day in limbo. It's another day where people can't go out to get more supplies, it's really just a waiting game for us."
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The federal government said it would keep working with partners on more flights, which would prioritise passengers based on need.
Wong said French authorities advised they would be conducting flights starting today and the Department of Foreign Affairs remained in contact with registered Australians in New Caledonia.
Tourists from other countries also secured a spot on the first flights after conversations with the Australian and Canadian consulates in Noumea.
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan said Australians should have been the first onboard the flights.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Australian assets should be used to prioritise Australians," he told Today.
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The rioting broke out last week in response to reforms passed in Paris that allow recent arrivals to the French overseas territory to vote in local provincial elections – a move some local leaders fear will weaken the say of the indigenous Kanak people.
The indigenous population accounts for around 40 per cent of New Caledonia's 270,000 total inhabitants, and many have called for independence from France.
Three referendums on the topic have been held since 2018, with the pro-independence vote falling short on each occasion – although it boycotted the most recent poll in 2021.
A state of emergency in response to the unrest was declared last week, and France sent an extra 1000 security reinforcements to the territory to quell the violence.
Australians in New Caledonia who want to leave and haven't registered with DFAT should register online.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).
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